FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
September 8, 2004

Contact: Doug Bush 617-899-3684

Greer Tan Swiston Calls on Kay Khan to Co-Sign Letter to Speaker Finneran
Stand up to Speaker Finneran - Support Tax Rollback and the Will of the People

Today Greer Tan Swiston is sending a letter to Speaker Finneran asking the Speaker to listen to the will of the people and rollback that state income tax rate to 5.0%. Additionally, Ms. Swiston is calling on Kay Khan to join her in signing this letter and honoring the will of the people she represents.

The Boston Globe reported that the legislature would defy the voters call for a rollback of the state income tax rate. Speaker Finneran thinks the voter approved tax rollback is “rash and reckless” and is not planning to return any of the surplus back to where it belongs – in people’s wallets.

“The people of this district want their taxes rolled back to 5.0%. With a budget surplus of $725 million, the time is right to listen to the people.” Swiston said. “I am calling on Rep. Khan to join me in standing up to Speaker Finneran and the leadership on Beacon Hill that opposes the will of the people. She can do that by signing this letter.”

In 2000, Newton voted for the income tax rollback. The Legislature has been arrogantly ignoring the will of the people. Finneran’s latest move is to continue opposing the people. The House is currently not in formal session, so there will be no roll call on the vote. However, Rep. Khan can still be accountable for her willingness to represent the will of the people and resist Finneran by signing the letter.

“I am committed to rolling back the state income tax to 5.0% and to listening to the will of the people I hope to represent. I am only asking my opponent to do the same.” Swiston said.